not for real crossword – All Crossword Answers
Stuck on "not for real crossword"? You've come to the right place! Below you'll find all possible solutions, organized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to get you unstuck and moving forward.
Solutions for "not for real crossword" by Letter Count
4 Letters
FAKE: Not genuine; a counterfeit or imitation.
SHAM: A pretense; something that is not what it purports to be.
MOCK: To imitate or mimic, often derisively; not real or authentic.
5 Letters
PHONY: Not genuine; fraudulent.
BOGUS: Not genuine or true; counterfeit.
9 Letters
SIMULATED: Made to resemble something else; artificial.
10 Letters
ARTIFICIAL: Made or produced by human beings rather than occurring naturally, especially as a copy of something natural.
More About "not for real crossword"
The clue "not for real" in crosswords is a classic way for setters to hint at words that mean imitation, falsehood, or artificiality. These clues challenge solvers to think beyond literal interpretations and consider synonyms for genuine, authentic, or true. Answers often revolve around the idea of something being a copy, a pretense, or lacking originality, making common solutions like FAKE, PHONY, or SHAM frequently appear.
Understanding the nuances of such clues can significantly improve your solving speed. Sometimes, the clue might point to the process of making something 'not real,' or an adjective describing a 'not real' item, or even a noun that is inherently 'not real.' Recognizing the grammatical form required by the clue (e.g., adjective, noun, verb) is crucial for selecting the correct answer among similar-meaning words.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Synonyms for 'Not Real': When faced with clues implying 'not for real,' brainstorm words like 'false,' 'imitation,' 'counterfeit,' 'artificial,' 'pretend,' or 'mock.' These often lead directly to common crossword answers.
- Check Word Length: If you have some letters filled in from intersecting clues, use the known length to narrow down possibilities quickly. Many short words (3-5 letters) frequently appear for 'not real' concepts, but longer options like SIMULATED or ARTIFICIAL can also be valid.
- Look for Context Clues: Does the clue hint at a specific type of 'fake' (e.g., 'fake smile,' 'fake ID,' 'fake pearl')? This can guide you to more precise answers that fit the context perfectly, rather than just a general synonym.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'not for real' imply in a crossword clue?
It typically implies something that is artificial, counterfeit, or a pretense. Common answers include words like FAKE, PHONY, SHAM, or BOGUS, depending on the number of letters required.
How can I tell if a clue implies an adjective or a noun for 'not real'?
The grammatical structure of the clue is key. If it's descriptive (e.g., 'not real'), it often points to an adjective (e.g., FAKE, PHONY). If it implies a thing (e.g., 'something not real'), it could be a noun (e.g., SHAM, FRAUD). Pay attention to the part of speech indicated by the clue.
Are there common tricks crossword setters use for 'fake' clues?
Yes, setters often use synonyms, wordplay, or even homophones. For instance, a clue might be 'Counterfeit current' for FAKE, playing on the double meaning of 'current.' Always consider both direct synonyms and more lateral interpretations and wordplay that might fit the clue.